If you’ve read this column before, even on occasion, you will most likely know that I am an enthusiastic supporter of 4-H. As a 10-year alumni of the Illinois 4-H program, I credit a great deal of what I’m doing now to my years of experience in the horse project. I became a better rider through clinics and workshops, and used the competitions I entered to gauge my progress. I learned how to look at a horse with a critical eye by attending judging clinics and contests. I gained a knowledge of terms, horse science, and a wealth of equine trivia through participation in horse bowl. I overcame my fear of standing up in front of a group and talking, through leadership roles and speaking contests. And among my fondest childhood memories are the days spent each summer at the county fair.

Given that background, it’s only natural that I have chosen to stay involved with the program as an adult. And I’m not alone. I’m surrounded by fellow alumnus who serve as leaders, coaches and mentors. We know what the program meant to us and how we benefitted from it, and we want to give something back. Plus, we’re all just big kids at heart! This past month was a perfect example. Our county hosted a regional judging clinic and contest. Those who helped organize, score and provide horses were almost all former 4-Hers and current leaders. Several of us were veterans of the same program (Kane County 4-H, circa 1970’s-80). Even our judge was a former 4-Her and she fully related to the 4-H experience. After reflecting on the day she spent with us, she wrote to me with the following review:

“Thank you to all who attended the Regional Horse Judging Contest on March 15, 2008 at Fox Valley Saddle Club Grounds in Hampshire, IL. A group of about 40 4-Hers learned how to evaluate and judge Driving, Stock Horse Halter, Western and English Pleasure, Arabian Horses and Miniature Horse Halter. The group was amazing and participated in questions and answers and offered their own personal opinions and feedback.

We had some wonderful examples in our English Pleasure class that addressed the often discussed topic of “ head sets.” Our class of four consisted of three distinct over fences horses–Thoroughbred and Warmblood types with more elevated neck placement–and our fourth horse was a Stock horse whose neck was set in a more level placement. This class promoted great discussion and feedback from the 4-Hers who offered firsthand experience. They talked about having been to a show and had what they felt was a great ride on their higher headed english horse, only to leave the arena with no ribbon. Another, topic we had an opportunity to address was the four beat jogs of some of today’s western pleasure horses . We had four horses in our class to judge and they showed great variety. The kids were able to see them perform side by side and they had the opportuntiy to break down their quality of stride, consistency, attitude, and transitions while hearing my verbal analogy of how I placed them and why. With the help of the wide array of horses that people brought for judging, I hope everyone left the clinic feeling educated with new knowledge that they can apply to their 4-H activities as well as their own personal equine challenges.

As I looked into the audience of 4-Hers I could not help but reminisce somewhat as 2008 celebrates 30 years since I was one of those 4-Hers standing on the other side of the fence watching, listening, learning and thinking to myself, ‘I hope someday I will know as much as that person giving the clinic.’

Now, with those 30 years behind me, I remain so grateful to all those judges, clinicians, mentors, parents and endless people who influenced me and most importantly gave me their time. I cannot encourage people enough to promote horses, 4-H, clinics and educational formats . The love of horses is something I know a few things about as a horse breeder and owner of Haylo Farm in Davis, IL. I get a chuckle when I think back to my mom’s words in 1971 when I got my first horse and she told a friend, ‘It’s just a phase.’ At this point I’m pretty sure, it was more than a phase. Encourage horses and horse programs, and give time to today’s youth. It is time well spent!” Tricia Angell

Youth organizations like 4-H, FFA, and Pony Club give young people the opportunity to discover, learn and grow in something they are passionate about. Whether you got your start in one of these excellent clubs, or not isn’t important. If the horse world has made a positive impact on your life, consider sharing that gift with another young person. You’ll feel like a kid yourself again, and you’ll find it’s time well spent.